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Year of Japan in sync with the Seasons

Year of Japan in step with the seasons

One of the first things I noticed, as a teacher in Japan, is that many countries started their school year in another month. I come from Australia, where the school year is the same that calendar year, and that students begin their course in January.

Being in the southern hemisphere summer holidays Australia to begin Dec. 15 and ends Jan. 26, which is Australia Day. (Himself was not until late March). The United States also began their school year after summer vacation, which in North America means that students begin their new year school in September.

Japan is different again, with the new school year beginning in April. It does not follow from summer vacation, but spring break. In a sense, it makes perfect sense, because the year of Japan is in sync with the seasons.

Spring is the time when nature begins its cycle again after a cold winter snow that Mother Nature "seems to hibernate, and like the flowers once again beginning to flourish, is a new year It's not just happening in schools and universities, either, but also. the workplace.

(A new year, with regard to schools and businesses in Japan, should not be confused with the official "New Year" on January 1, called "Oshogatsu" in Japanese. However, I was fascinated to learn that Japan has adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873, and before that time, Japan has used a "lunisolar" calendar similar to that of China).

Japanese companies have their campaign recruitment (for students) in January, and advertise job vacancies in the general media throughout February and March. Most job interviews are held in March, and the welcoming ceremony for new recruits takes place in early April. Many companies have "holiday Welcome "for new employees outside under the trees of cherry blossoms (Sakura). This custom is called "Hanami" ("Review flower ").

It is often the duty of a new employee that day to keep a good spot in the park, like many companies organize Christmas at the same time, often the same day, and parks fill up very quickly. They not only celebrate a new year in the company, but the arrival of spring, after what was generally a long, cold winter.

The concept of "lifetime employment" fade very quickly in Japan, and many positions are now occupied by workers on annual contracts. However, even permanent employees can find a new position in April, is due to a promotion or transfer, and yet it seems natural to most Japanese, since it coincides with the beginning of a new year seasonal outside their windows.

In May there is a string of religious festivals and traditional, which coincide with the peak of spring, and this week's holiday is commonly called "Golden Week".

Summer starts in June, and made the season rainy called "Tsuyu" in Japan. This is perfect for rice fields. rice seeds are planted in special containers in April, then shoots Rice is transplanted in the paddy fields in May. Then the rain comes in June

But this time, almost all pupils at school is looking forward the summer holiday, which begins in mid-July. The annual championship high school baseball, which was held at Stadium Koushien Osaka, is played during the summer, and is very popular with students and adults. It is televised around the nation August.

Many summer festivals are held throughout Japan. One of the most important of them is called "Obon" and it is time that the Japanese travel to be with their families. companies allow employees time off of this traditional holiday. There is a time to honor his deceased parents, clean their graves, and enjoying a dance called "Bon Odori.

In most districts, you can smell the burning wood as fire barbecues their families. There is a time for swimming, fireworks, and relaxing. Japan is very humid during summer, people, and many choose to stay indoors and fan themselves to stay cool. In fact, the old Japanese calendar, July was known as "Fumizuki" (literally "Book Month"), as it was a good time to stay inside and read.

Autumn is a unique beauty, and many Japanese are driving and walking in time to see the fall beautiful leaves as they change colors. Yellow, orange and red leaves are often the impression that the hills are on fire. There are still a lot of barbecues at the moment year, families and groups of friends sitting outside and watch the spectacle that nature provides.

The rice is harvested in early autumn just before the annual typhoon season begins (usually in October in most places, depending on location).

I am amazed always how fast the seasons change and winter always seems to take me by surprise. Being an Australian who loves hot weather, it's never a good surprise. However, for many people, there is a time for practicing winter sports enjoying fun. Skiing, snowboarding and ice skating are very popular in Japan.

Then at the end of winter coincides with the end of the school year and the end of another year for employees workers. Towards the end of March, many "Sayonara" the parties are required for employees who leave their company, or be transferred to another location.

Many parts of diplomas will be held for university students in March and April, they begin a new life together the cherry blossoms are starting their own new, and year, like many others in Japan, will remain attached to this season.

About the Author

Chris Ryall is an Australian school teacher, who has lived in Japan for 14 years with his wife, Mandy.  He is a novelist, poet and enjoys writing articles about Japan.  His profile can be found on Facebook.  E-mail: chrisandamanda2@yahoo.com.au

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